Old Gordon Trail

Dogs No Dogs

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When you reach the Colorado National Monument boundary fence, either turn around or go east to follow the trail towards the Upper Ribbon Parking area. If you head west you will be trespassing on private property.

From the Devil's Kitchen/Serpents Trail parking lot, follow signs for Devil's Kitchen/Echo Canyon Trail/Old Gordon as you head slightly downhill. At the first junction, head left towards Echo Canyon Trail/Old Gordon Trail. The trail descends sandy check-steps to a dry (usually) creek crossing and then starts climbing, first on sandy singletrack and then on angled slickrock.

The slickrock usually has rocks lining the route to keep navigation simple. About 3/4 of a mile up, the trail levels out temporarily at a nice sandstone outcrop and then climbs again on loose dirt/rock with some roots thrown in. The trail levels out around 2.5 miles and shortly thereafter appears to dead end at a barbed-wire fence.

This can be a great place to turn around for an out-and-back, but if you are feeling adventurous and have a way to navigate, the trail does continue to the Upper Ribbon Parking area on Little Pard Road. Cross the fence where it sags and then follow the fence line for ~0.4 mile until unmarked trails start cutting south. Follow the network of trails as they weave south and west to reach the parking area. It is possible from here to run down The Ribbon (a great downhill), but it isn't possible to make a loop without some more serious off-trail travel.

Deer and mountain lion tracks are prevalent in the area, but only the former is seen with regularity.